Inspection and Permit Ledger

Series — Volume: 1

Identifier: 2618-05

Scope and Contents Note

Ledger itemizing inspector reports and permits issued by year. Permits were totaled by month and included private driveways, signs, areaways, side sewers, and temporary crossings. Inspector report pages note the number of various work items logged per month performed by inspectors for streets and construction projects. Entries include inspection of cement walks, sewers, and hanging signs and awnings, as well as notices served to repair sidewalks or trim trees. Beginning in 1930, the volume also includes truck traffic inspector tallies that note route inspections, vehicle impounds, and various types of traffic tickets. The volume starts with 1915 at the end of the book and moves backward chronologically through the pages.

Dates

Creation: 1915-1939

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Engineering Dept. (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

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The Engineering Department (SED) maintained the City’s streets and bridges, designed and oversaw construction of public works projects, provided traffic and transportation planning, and operated the sewer and solid waste utility. The position of City Surveyor was created in 1873 to survey the City, establish boundaries and street grades, and administer condemnation processes. This position was renamed City Engineer in 1890. In 1931 the Engineering Department absorbed part of the Department of Public Utilities and in 1936 it assumed the responsibilities of the Department of Streets and Sewers and the Traffic Department. In 1997, the water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater utilities from the Engineering and Water departments were merged with the Engineering Services Division of SED and the Customer Service Call Center and Construction Engineering Sections of City Light to form Seattle Public Utilities. The traffic and transportation functions of the Engineering Department were consolidated in the Seattle Transportation Department.